CAIRO, 1 December 2005 — The 29th edition of the Cairo international film festival opened with a range of movies from across the world competing for the Golden Pyramid and China the guest of honor.
Some 25 films from China were shown at the festival, which was to kick off with Zhang Yimou’s spectacular and lavishly-praised martial arts epic “House of Flying Daggers”.
“A Bright Moon” from Lu Qi is China’s other entry in the official competition, where it was facing off against films from countries including Yemen, Iran, India and Albania.
However, critics said it remains to be seen whether the festival was a success in garnering widespread attention given that its total budget of $350,000 is paltry compared to more glamorous rivals in Dubai and Marrakesh.
“One of the main problems is the lack of a large public which means that business holds back from financing it,” said Essam Zakaria, an Egyptian journalist and member of the jury.
“The Ministry of Culture has reduced its support for the festival. As for business people they are not really interested,” said Tareq Al-Shennawi, a cinema critic.
